Swat River: 18 tourist family members swept away, seven bodies recovered

SWAT: Seven bodies have been recovered as a flash flood in Swat River swept away 18 members of the same family on Friday, who had arrived from Sialkot.

A family of tourists from Sialkot met with tragedy on Friday morning when a group of around 18 people got caught in a flash flood in Swat River while they were enjoying breakfast at the river, Commissioner Malakand Abid Wazir confirmed.

Rescue teams recovered seven bodies from the river while three individuals were pulled out alive. Emergency operations are still underway as rescue workers search for more victims.

The tourists had arrived in the region earlier in the day, unaware of the flood warnings in place. Authorities said Section 144 has already been imposed along the Swat and Panjkora rivers to restrict public access due to high flood risk.

Commissioner Wazir urged tourists to avoid entering rivers during the monsoon season, which often brings sudden and dangerous water surges. He said awareness campaigns are ongoing to inform visitors about the risks.

According to the Meteorological Department and local administration, the sudden downpour caused the river’s flow to increase to a dangerous level, posing a potential threat to low-lying areas.

Rescue sources confirmed that four tourists’ bodies were recovered from the Maniyar area. Women and children also remain trapped near Fizagat due to the strong river current.

According to Rescue 1122, the water level in the Swat River has risen dangerously. So far, over 10 people have been reported stranded.

Karachi Weather Update: More showers expected

Rescue teams have launched operations using boats and other equipment to reach those in danger. The district administration has urged citizens and tourists to stay away from the riverbanks.

With more rain forecasted, rescue services and local authorities remain on high alert.

Residents have been urged to stay away from the riverbanks and remain in contact with local authorities in case of any emergency.

Relevant departments have been put on alert, and rescue teams have been mobilized.

WOMEN, CHILDREN RESCUED FROM FLASH FLOOD

Meanwhile two children and two women were rescued after getting stranded in the Panjkora River near Timergara on Friday.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the individuals were trapped after a sudden rise in water levels caused by flash floods in the area. Separately, a man was also caught in a flooded seasonal stream in the Munda area of Lower Dir due to heavy rain.

Timely intervention by rescue teams prevented a major tragedy. Rescue personnel, using ropes and boats, safely evacuated all the stranded individuals.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported and all the rescued persons are in stable condition.

Rescue teams remain on high alert in the region, as more rain is expected in the coming days.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and seasonal streams during the ongoing monsoon spell.